Simply put, make sure everyone who is looking for you can find you. And, that means showing up on the maps on Google and Yahoo. The yellow pages of yesterday have been replaced by online searches. And, while it can be a mighty task to improve how high you appear on the list, it is quite easy to make sure you appear in focused searches.
The first thing I would do to get any locally-focused business online is to submit a detailed and well-crafted local listing to Google and Yahoo. Here is where you go to do this:
Yahoo Local
http://listings.local.yahoo.com/
Google Local
https://www.google.com/local/add/businessCenter
Unlike the yellow pages, you can add as much content to your listing as you’d like for free. So, why not make sure your prospective customers are getting the information and experience you want them to when they see your listings.
Upload photos, list your prices and describe your products and services. If you want walk-in traffic, I urge you to upload a photo of the entrance to your business. This will ensure people can find you and remember you when they see your establishment.
And, the best part is, these are the results that appear on mobile devices and phones when users are searching for nearby venues.
Being found by customers ready to buy? Seems like a no-brain-er to me.
So, now that you’ve gotten the first thing out of the way, it’s time to get a website up and makes sure you’re local listings take your customers to you website. You want to make sure you are doing everything you can to convert all of this search traffic into actual customers!